Gawler Ranges

South Australia’s Gawler Ranges is a place where history, pastoralism, con­ser­va­tion and Abo­rig­i­nal cul­ture come togeth­er.

Outback Travel Australia has made several attempted trips to this area, but we were thwarted by heavy rains. However, two OTA crews toured in mid-2025 and one took in a stay at nearby Mt Ive Station.

Gawler Ranges Nation­al Park was pro­claimed in 2002 and its land­scape teems with wildlife, while pro­tecting rare and threat­ened plants and ani­mals, includ­ing the crim­son mallee and yel­low-foot­ed rock-wallabies. 

In dry weather, much of the park is accessible by two-wheel drives with high clearance, but the best way to experience the area is by four-wheel-drive. Tracks are rocky and sandy.

In summer temperatures regularly reach the mid-40s so the cooler months are a great time to visit.

The Park is famous for its spectacular ‘organ pipe’ rock formations – columnar jointing – that date back around 1500 mil­lion years, as a result of vol­canic erup­tions. Other amazing rocky out­crops are at Yandin­ga Falls and Kolay Mir­i­ca Falls.

There are seven campgrounds within Gawler Ranges National Park. Kolay Hut campground is within walking distance of Kolay Mirica Falls and has basic facilities including toilets and fireplaces. 

Old Paney Homestead is a reminder of the Park’s days as a remote pastoral property.

Following is one OTA team’s photo record of the 2025 visit:

Mattera Campground

Sturts Lake

Old Paney Homestead

Stone water tank near Peterby Rockhole off Old Paney Road

Shearing shed and shearers’ quarters

Pondanna Outstation is available to be hired-out as accommodation

Some of the locals:

Dad and the kids

This is why we love the Outback…

Mt Ive Station 

Mt Ive is a working sheep station that welcomes visitors and is located north-east of Gawler Ranges National Park.

Accommodation includes camp sites (powered and unpowered); shearers quarters rooms, with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, en-suited dongas and self-contained huts. 

There are also common-room areas and under-cover outdoor seating areas, where larger groups can have social functions.The Spinifex Bar welcomes those who might be looking for a beverage to accompany the sunset views. 

Mt Ive is home to 4WD tracks of varying difficulty that also suit motorbikes, side-by-sides and horses. Hiking tracks abound and the view from the top of Mt Ive rewards the enthusiastic hiker who makes it to the top. 

There is an amazing variety of wildlife and brilliant bird watching opportunities, amid native flora that includes wildflower displays at certain times. 

Mt Ive’s star-gazing opportunities are excellent, thanks to almost no light pollution in the outback. 

Access to the vast Lake Gairdner is via a private track that lets you park right next to the Lake  – a magical spot to watch the sunset over this wonder of nature. The same access track detours to see more examples of organ pipes.

Mt Ive Station offers group bookings and is happy to discuss the needs of individuals and organisations. Contacts are (08) 8648 1817 and info@mtive.com.au 

Here are some happy snaps from our May 2025 visit: